Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement

The City of New Haven is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and providing responsive services for our community. With this goal in mind, the Code Enforcement Department was developed to address concerns about unsafe, unhealthy or unsightly conditions in neighborhoods and the entire community.

The Code Enforcement Office works to address code violations or “public nuisances” that have a negative impact on neighborhoods and ultimately property values within the city. With an emphasis on education and voluntary compliance, Code Enforcement staff work with residents, neighborhood associations, business and other City Departments to ensure New Haven remains an exceptional place to live, work and play.

Zoning and Permits

Any time you are planning or actually starting construction on your property you must consider whether the project you are doing requires a county or city permit. In addition, there may be restrictions in your homeowners association covenants . While the City of New Haven does not become involved in enforcement of homeowner association rules, we will become involved if the proper permits have not been obtained when required. Many factors go into permit consideration including the construction and placement of your project. If not in compliance, the removal of the project will become necessary costing the homeowner or business time and money.

Before starting your project be sure to contact the City of New Haven Planning Office to determine your needs at 748-7040.

Code Enforcement OfficerDave Shanebrook

(260) 748-7061

Code Enforcement OfficerDave Shanebrook

(260) 748-7061

I live in a subdivision with a Home Owners Association. Can the City enforce Association by-laws?

No. If someone in the subdivision is violating a provision of the Association by-laws, it would be up to the Association to initiate legal action.

Can I park my semi-tractor or recreational vehicle on the street in front of my house?

No. Commercial motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, watercraft or trailers may not be parked on any street or alley within the City of New Haven except during such time as is reasonably necessary to make a bona fide pick up or delivery.

How do I know if my complaint was acted upon?

If contact information was provided, we strive to contact complainants to let them know their complaint was received or to gather further information. If you’ve called in a complaint and do not see results within a reasonable period of time, please call our office again. We will gladly inform you of the status of your complaint.

Complaints are handled in a confidential, courteous manner. Code Enforcement will first verify the violation and then notify the property owner and explain the issue. Property owners are then given time to remedy the violation. While most property owners comply after the first notification, those who don’t receive additional notifications and/or fines. In addition, some violations may be abated by the City at the owner’s expense.

My neighbor leaves his trash can at the curb all week. Is this a violation?

Yes. Trash containers must not be placed at the pickup location earlier than 4 p.m. of the day preceding the collection. It must be removed from the pickup location by 6 a.m. the day following collection. Trash containers shall be stored either inside the garage or on the side of the house a minimum of four (4) feet behind the front of the house when not at the pickup location.

The house next door is abandoned and the yard is overgrown. Can anything be done to clean it up?

Yes. The City of New Haven Code prohibits debris, rubbish, trash and weeds/grass that are in excess of nine (9) inches in height on any lot.